11 Fun Products for Fitness Rookies

Hey there, gym rat in-the-making. If you’re like us, after you’ve gotten back on the fitness wagon with a few jogs in the park or trips to the gym, it’s natural to suffer from serious gear envy: I wish my butt looked like that in yoga pants! How does she keep sweat from showing through that top?

But suffer no more. With our guide to headphones that don’t fall off, clothes that are flattering and functional, and towels that actually soak up your sweat, you’ll be the envy of your fellow gymgoers in no time.

And since these products help make your workout easier — and make you look better — you’ll also be more inclined to stick with your workout routine for the long haul, which can lead to more weight loss or better results. Here’s how to shop for a more fun sweat session.

A Motivating Workout Log

Whether you’re trying to lose 10 pounds or 100, breaking down your goals into smaller steps will help you get there. Enter the Fitbook: a small, portable notebook designed to accompany you at the gym. Jot down what you ate, how you torched calories, and what helped or hurt you along the way (think the week you squeezed in an extra workout, or that party with one too many trips to the cheese plate). If you need a little extra guidance, the Fitbook’s pages are filled with weight-loss tips and motivation to keep you on the right track.

One 12-week book for $22.95, or 4 books at a discount of $79.95, getfitbook.com

Grab-and-Go Bag

This Lululemon Triumphant Tote is aptly named, as its versatility makes it the perfect accessory for squeezing workouts into a hectic schedule. The bag is sophisticated enough to tote to the office or on weekend errands, so you can jet from yoga class to wherever you're headed next. An interior wet/dry pocket can stash stinky gym clothes and a removable shoe bag keeps your smelly sneaks separate from the rest of your stuff.

$118, lululemon.com

Instant Home Gym

If joining a gym’s not your thing, break a sweat on your own with the American Council on Exercise’s GetFit Kit. Designed by ACE-certified trainers, this four-piece kit has a stability ball, braided resistance band, 8-pound medicine ball, and mat — everything you need to start stretching and toning at home.

A Top-Notch Top

Asics calls this its favorite short-sleeve and no wonder: the quick-drying, odor-eliminating mesh is soft, breathable, and comfortable — perfect for a fitness first-timer. If you're an early-morning or late-night jogger, the fabric is also reflective for better visibility.

$42, asicsamerica.com

The Perfect Workout Pant

Slimming black pants that stay put while you sweat, these Lululemon Wunder Under Crop pants hug your legs in all the right places. The wide, soft waistband keeps your tummy covered while the light, breathable fabric wicks sweat away. We love the hidden front pocket — the perfect place to stash your gym card and keys.

$68, lululemon.com

A Cute Cover-Up

No one hides a little extra junk in the trunk better than Spanx. Tie this cute Wrap & Go skirt around your waist for a little extra coverage or to add some extra flair to your Zumba routine.

Heart-Pumping Headphones

These New Balance NB639 headphones are a perfect way to amp up the intensity of your workouts. The over-ear clip keeps them in place (even while you run) and through one attached control screen, you can monitor your heart rate, track distance with a pedometer, and monitor your time with a stop watch. Thanks to software that comes with the gear, you can upload your data to your computer after each workout and track your progress over time.

$99.99, ihomeaudio.com

Weight Lifting Made Painless

It can be tempting for gym newbies to steer clear of intimidating-looking weights section, but these comfortable weight-lifting gloves made by Savasa will help you strength train like a pro in no time. Padded palms protect your hands from icky communal weights and harsh metal bars while the breathable holes ensure you can hang on when your hands start to sweat.

Eco-Friendly Bottle

Meet Bamboo Bottle, made from glass and sustainably harvested bamboo by Bamboo Bottle Co., so it’s free of chemicals found in hard plastic water bottles, like bisphenol A (BPA). The bottle’s insulation allows you to sip hot or cold beverages. And don’t let breakable glass scare you off: It’s totally concealed inside the bamboo shell, making the bottle more than durable enough to tote around the gym. A straw hidden inside makes it easy to sip and keep moving during workouts.

Sweat-Soaking Towel

Designed for hot yoga, Gaiam’s Small Thirsty Towel will soak up sweat much more quickly — and comfortably — than those rough cotton towels at your gym. Made with nylon and polyester microfiber, this towel will also dry in a flash. Throw it in your gym bag, and you’re ready for whatever your workout throws at you.

Cool Key Carrying Case

Hate figuring out where to stash your keys while you run? Problem solved with the SPIBand. Stash your ID, keys, gym pass, and even your iPod in this dual-fold band that straps to your wrist or ankle while you work out. Plus, the material is light and breathable enough so it won't weigh you down.

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